Tag: Thermogenesis

According to research, the main ingredient in hot chili peppers, capsaicin, is a potent agonist for the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. However, capsaicin is just one of many dietary compounds found in various foods that can activate this important receptor, which is involved in sensing heat, pain, and regulating metabolic functions.

An estimated 20-30% of the calories from protein are burned during digestion and metabolism, a process that naturally produces body heat. This phenomenon, known as the thermic effect of food (TEF), is the primary answer to the question: which nutrient provides warmth?

While animals like polar bears rely on a thick layer of blubber for survival in freezing conditions, the link between human body fat and warmth is more complex. In humans, body fat can help regulate temperature, but it's not the only factor at play. So, does fat keep you warm in winter? The answer involves a fascinating interplay of insulation, metabolic activity, and different types of fat tissue.

Compared to most other dietary fats, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are absorbed much faster and sent directly to the liver for conversion into energy. This unique metabolic pathway raises a common and important question for many: does MCT speed up metabolism and assist with weight management?

In traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda, cashews are classified as a "heating" food, a perception that contrasts with their mild, creamy flavour. So, are cashews hot or cool for your body? The answer depends on different health perspectives and how they are prepared, as their nutrient density can increase internal body temperature.

According to a 2025 study from Penn State, adding chili pepper to a meal can significantly slow down eating and reduce calorie consumption. This is just one piece of the puzzle in determining if chili can burn fat, as research continues to uncover the effects of its active compound, capsaicin, on weight management.

Capsaicin, the bioactive compound responsible for the heat in chilli peppers, is known to have thermogenic properties that can boost metabolism. This raises a common question for many trying to lose weight: Does chilli help with belly fat, or is it just a spicy myth?

According to the National Institutes of Health, electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are essential for many bodily processes, including thermoregulation. So, do minerals regulate body temperature? Yes, they do, particularly the electrolyte minerals that are vital for maintaining fluid balance and supporting cellular function that produce and dissipate heat.

According to a 2024 review, polyphenols found in propolis have demonstrated an ability to induce thermogenesis in both brown and beige fat tissue in animal studies. The question that many are now asking is: **Does propolis increase brown fat** in humans, and what is the science behind this potential effect?

According to health experts, not all body fat is created equal when it comes to keeping warm. While all fat tissue provides some level of thermal insulation, the type and location of the fat matter significantly, which leads to the important question: does visceral fat keep you warm? The short answer is no; its primary function is not insulation, and its presence in excess poses significant health risks.